Adult Beginners at the Piano: 12 Problems (and Solutions), Part 1

Includes a 7-day guided video series, 5 printable exercises, and matching sheet music to improve your hand independence and rhythm.

Happy practicing!

-Allysia

[PianotvNet]

Includes a 7-day guided video series, 5 printable exercises, and matching sheet music to improve your hand independence and rhythm.

[tomgnau]

I"ve mastered "Row, Row Your Boat" and have advanced steadily to such masterpieces as "Jingle Bells" and "Mexican Hat Dance."

[scuxmaster]

I was expecting a piano video but then got a life lesson. Thankyou

[flexusmaximus]

I just wanted to say to all adult beginners to hang in there. I took up piano 15 years ago in my early 40s with NO previous musical training or experience. I was blessed to have had three wonderful teachers and friends who patiently took me through 3 Alfred adult books, as well as many other supplemental ones. now I have completed level 6 of the RCM exam and on to 7. like any journey it' has periods of great progress and joy, and times of slow and seemingly small progress. but if you stick with it, stay consistent and understand its a journey that you never quite nor should you finish. it is absolutely worth the effort. love your videos and channel.

[johna]

I'm a 65 year old beginner. With this video and Part 2 you hit every problem I'm experiencing and made it easier for me to deal with them. Thank you!

[Dickens]

It’s all true. I’m lazy. I’m scared of failure. My fingers refuse to obey my brain. I’m an adult and I can do as I please so I’m not going to practice today. Kid songs are so easy it’s embarrassing but I can’t play them worth a darn. My cats are always distracting me. I’m paranoid I will never learn that piece. And on and on. You covered them all, and I feel so much better now. I see that I am not alone. Thank you.

[donricardoceramics]

Yes, yes and yes. Thanks for the video. I just started the piano at 50, so I can relate to most of these problems. I try to balance the easy pieces with intermediate pieces that take a few weeks to learn. Short term satisfaction and long term goals.

[mauritiusdunfagel]

You have a very deep understanding of human psychology as well as music. That fear thing you mention really hit home. Thank you for your giving.

[andydavies]

As a grumpy middle aged man, I usually find people who are young, pretty and enthusiastic a bit irritating. This video, however, is not irritating at all. It is genuine, thoughtful, insightful and helpful commentary on the learning process. I started learning classical guitar in my early 30's and you have described all the issues and thought processes I went through. I've been contemplating learning piano for a while but have avoided it because I know how tough the initial stages of learning can be. This video has given me the encouragement I needed to make a start and so I thank you.

[Carmelobrian]

I've watched this video several times. It really helps me get out of my own way and keep progressing. I have issues of trying to be a perfectionist and also try to be at a level higher than I really am. Thank you for posting. You must be a great teacher to your students

[eternalcoldweather]

My dog is required to listen to me practise before she gets her walk. So I always have an audience, but she looks fatigued when she listens.

[amarpeswani]

I think what you said is true I am from India and trying to learn Keyboard at the age of 78 and am facing the problems that you mentioned. No one has come out with such a clarity. thanks for sharing

[Astronist]

I'm an adult learner, and I'm happy to say I've never attempted to play or even wanted to play any piece that was easy enough that it was actually within my technical ability to play it. But the pieces I attempt are the ones I love, and that motivates me to keep on trying. Think of it as a method for keeping oneself motivated to practise. And I get a kick out of sounding almost right half the time. Since I'm not planning to play them in public, it doesn't really matter.

[aadamlucas]

Erik Satie - Gymnopédie no. 1 is a very good piece if you want challenge and spice it up a little after learning those first easy songs

[ultramarinetoo]

0:53 Wanting to be better than you are. - Patience.
2:20 You are bored with beginner level pieces. - You need to build from the ground up... maybe find something that you like on this level?
2:47 Your pieces are way too tough and frustrating. - Find easier music.
5:30 Not making the connection between lesson pieces and music you listen to. - ?
6:08 Laziness. - Just do it. Behind this can be the fear of not being very good. - Think like a child, be OK with making mistakes.
my 2c: "I'm too busy" really means "I don't have the energy to make myself do this." - 'Bribe' yourself with bits you enjoy, making it something fun to look forward to rather than just a chore.
8:57 Your hands don't work well together. - Your brain can understand music that your fingers can't play (yet).

[arsenalforever]

Playing the piano is so enjoyable. And listening and watching you makes it even more enjoyable !!

[courtneyfrancis]

I’m 24 and started piano lessons just over a year ago, had no musical experience. I was worried when I first started as I thought I was
too old but my teacher is very reassuring. The first book (premier grade one) was tedious but foundational. I absolutely love hymns so I buy a simplified hymns or my teacher will write some up for me. This has really help alongside my practicing. Earlier this year I bought a simplified version of Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring, I was originally very upset that I could even get through the first few notes, so last month I asked my teacher if I could have an extra 30 (now 45) mins separate lessons where I learn simplified classical music and hymns, a month on and I can play Jesu Joy of Mans desiring and a few others out of my Bach for Beginners Book and Alders Basic Sacred Piano Book. These lessons have a less informal feel doesn’t make me feel so nervous and it’s fun, it also aids me my grade one as some of the pieces are more advanced. Leaning to play has really changed my life.

[lauralopez-sandoval]

I am currently in the middle of a winter semester for first year piano and experienced half of these problems! I hadn't been in school for years plus the whole time managing really has been teaching me a ton of what it takes to really get the most of learning to play piano- of course before watching your video I was pretty hard on myself feeling down so Thank you for sharing this! It's so encouraging and makes me feel at ease and go practice practice practice!

[hwcal]

Wow! You really nailed it with this video. I'm just getting started so, thanks for the real world advice.

[saabriety]

Agree with all of them.I am the only bad pianist I hear so it magnifies the problem as you are comparing yourself to professional musicians. I am lucky I have a great teacher & we can talk about these things openly which helps a lot.